I had heard his name for decades and finally read "The Lady in The Lake." It was surprising in that Phillip Marlowe isn't as "hard boiled" as in the movie versions of Chandler's books, and the style of his writing reminded me of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Only a little more descriptive and definitely grittier.
Chandler was born in the US but grew up in London! He even went to the same school as P. G. Wodehouse. He moved back to Los Angeles and didn't publish anything until he was in his 40's.
In one of the newer Miss Marple TV episodes, Miss Marple is sitting in bed reading "The Lady in The Lake." I wonder how many viewers noticed? It has a similar plot theme (two dead women who are linked in some way) as Christie's "The Body in The Library." I thought this was very interesting.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
The Fall of the Roamn Empire (196x)
The movie Gladiator with Russell Crowe starts off in the same part of the world as this movie; the Roman army are fighting the barbarians in the north by the Danube River abiyt 150 C.E. It is cold and mountainous, snowing, and Ceasar is dying and wants to leave the empire to someone other than his son. His daughter is in love with this person. Both movies have these elements in common, but take them in very different directions.
Technically, the older movie is much slower moving, with more distance, wide angle shots. Gladiator has more complex battle scenes and moves quicker with shots that are rarely slow moving. At times, when I was watching the movie made in the sixties, I thought I was watching a silent movie; no dialogue and a lot of long distance shots of armies, horses, etc.
Technically, the older movie is much slower moving, with more distance, wide angle shots. Gladiator has more complex battle scenes and moves quicker with shots that are rarely slow moving. At times, when I was watching the movie made in the sixties, I thought I was watching a silent movie; no dialogue and a lot of long distance shots of armies, horses, etc.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Best of Recent Movies
1. Casino Royal (2007)The best Bond film ever. "From Russia With Love" was my previous favorite.
2. Shoot 'Em Up (2007) Is this a great parody? Meta -action film?
3. Topsy Turvey (1999) The background and context of the making of Gilbert & Sullivan's "The Mikado."
2. Shoot 'Em Up (2007) Is this a great parody? Meta -action film?
3. Topsy Turvey (1999) The background and context of the making of Gilbert & Sullivan's "The Mikado."
Monday, May 12, 2008
Top Ten Favorite Movies
1. Hound of the Baskervilles
2. Ten Little Indians
3. LOR The Fellowship of the Ring
4. Saving Private Ryan
5. Brother, Where Art Thou
6. A Hard Days Night
7. Bringing Up Baby
8. The Verdict
9. Ordinary People
10. Local Hero
2. Ten Little Indians
3. LOR The Fellowship of the Ring
4. Saving Private Ryan
5. Brother, Where Art Thou
6. A Hard Days Night
7. Bringing Up Baby
8. The Verdict
9. Ordinary People
10. Local Hero
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